SunCom Wireless has selected Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch solution for its next generation core throughout the operator's footprint in the southeastern United States. Additionally, the two companies will conduct IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) trials to prepare the operator's network for next generation capabilities.

Under the agreement, SunCom has begun to deploy Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch solution to carry voice and data traffic in 3GPP Release 4- compliant network architecture. After just two months of installation and smooth implementation, the softswitch started full commercial operation in September; full deployment is scheduled for completion in 2006. Ericsson is also providing network design services, training and on-site support.

The IMS trial will help SunCom prepare to deploy rich communication services - such as video telephony, conference calling, document-sharing web pages (collaboration) and presence management - in its IP network. Ericsson's UMA solution, Mobile@Home, allows the delivery of services from the mobile network - such as voice, voicemail, SMS, MMS and GPRS - using broadband and unlicensed radio spectrum such as WiFi or Bluetooth.

Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson North America, says: "SunCom is already seeing the benefits of reduced transmission costs. Ericsson's Mobile Softswitch design, with its distributed architecture, has made the SunCom transport network more efficient." "The network enhancements this architecture supports will help SunCom achieve convergence between the circuit-switched and packet-switched components of its networks, which is necessary for an efficient evolution to all-IP," Ruiz adds.

SunCom Wireless Vice President of Engineering Scott Basham says: "Ericsson's reputation for providing high-quality switching equipment and its commitment to meet a demanding deployment schedule won them the business. They exceeded our expectations by providing the first phase of softswitch deployment, from purchase order to commercial service, in fewer than 120 days. Twenty percent of SunCom's network is now on Ericsson's softswitch, and it has performed flawlessly. Partnering with Ericsson and their MSS solution has proven to be a sound business decision."